Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Baptism of Grant C Anderson

This morning we welcomed Grant C Anderson into the family of God by Holy Baptism.

The Baptism was held in the 8:30 service, a treat for those folks since many families with young children are 11:00 people and, therefore, the 8:30 crowd often times misses out on witnessing baptisms or adult confirmations.

This was the first time we used our brand new baptismal banner. Thank you Mrs. Koenig for the fine work, both on the large banner for the chancel, and on the smaller one for the family. Every person that is baptized at Mt. Calvary will receive personalized banner with his/her name and baptismal birthday. Hopefully, these will be hung in many children's bedrooms, serving as a reminder of this joyous occasion.This was also the first time we used the baptismal candle at Mt. Calvary. Another wonderful reminder of a child's baptism, the candle can be lit each year on his/her baptismal birthday, and the parents are able to help their children understand the significance of this day.

Finally, this was the first time we used the rite of Holy Baptism from LSB. Since we've already decided to adopt LSB, and are waiting on the funds, we thought it would make sense to start using the rite that will be used from now on. I especially appreciate the inclusion of Luther's flood prayer:

Almighty and eternal God, according to Your strict judgment You condemned the unbelieving world through the flood, yet according to Your great mercy You preserved believing Noah and his family, eight souls in all. You drowned hard-hearted Pharaoh and all his host in the Red Sea, yet led Your people Israel through the water on dry ground, foreshadowing this washing of Your Holy Baptism. Through the Baptism in the Jordan of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, You sanctified and instituted all waters to be a blessed flood and a lavish washing away of sin.

We pray that You would behold Grant according to Your boundless mercy and bless him with true faith by the Holy Spirit, that through this saving flood all sin in him, which has been inherited from Adam and which he himself has committed since, would be drowned and die. Grant the he be kept safe and secure in the holy ark of the Christian Church, being separated from the multitude of unbelievers and serving Your name at all times with a fervent spirit and a joyful hope, so that, with all believers in Your promise, he would be declared worthy of eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (LSB, p. 268-269).